ZIMILE CAREERS

At Zimile, we are at the forefront of technology-driven infrastructure development. As a proudly South African, 100% Black-owned Level 1 company, we offer exciting opportunities to work on impactful projects across water resources, municipal infrastructure, property development, and more.

Be part of a team that transforms communities, drives progress, and supports youth employment.

Be part of our story!

CONTRACT ENGINEER

THE ROLE

The Contract Engineer is responsible for the effective management, administration, and oversight of engineering contracts within transport infrastructure projects. This includes drafting, reviewing, and negotiating contracts; ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards; and supporting the technical, financial, and operational aspects of the projects. The role involves close collaboration with project managers, legal advisors, site engineers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery, cost efficiency, and risk mitigation.

Reports to: Business Unit Head: Transport
Department: Transport
Location: Midrand
Position type: Full-time | Permanent
Remuneration: Market related

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

Contract management:

Prepare, draft, review, and finalise engineering and construction contracts in accordance with project requirements, company policies, and relevant legal standards.
Administer and oversee the full contract lifecycle, from pre-award through to execution, variations, renewals, claims, and closeout.
Ensure timely approval, signing, and archiving of all contract documentation.
Maintain a comprehensive contract register, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date records of all contractual agreements and correspondence.
Liaise with legal counsel for guidance on complex contractual issues or disputes.

Risk management:

Proactively identify, assess, and manage contractual risks throughout project lifecycles.
Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies in collaboration with project teams.
Monitor compliance with all contractual obligations, flagging potential exposures or non-compliance.
Manage and resolve disputes, claims, and variations in a timely and professional manner.
Conduct regular internal audits and contract reviews to identify areas for improvement and ensure best practices are followed.

Technical support and quality assurance:

Review and interpret technical specifications, drawings, and project requirements to ensure alignment with contractual scope and objectives.
Collaborate with site engineers to prepare and implement project-specific quality assurance and control plans.
Provide guidance to ensure site teams understand and execute technical requirements and quality standards.
Conduct inspections and site visits to monitor construction quality and adherence to specifications.
Contribute to engineering designs and design reviews, especially in the planning and mobilisation phases.
Support the development and implementation of innovative construction techniques, sustainable practices, and optimal use of materials.
Evaluate contractors’ payment applications and issue progress payment certificates.
Conduct road condition assessments and prepare technical reports for internal and external stakeholders.

Negotiation and communication:

Lead contract negotiations with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors to ensure commercially favourable outcomes.
Establish clear lines of communication with internal teams and external stakeholders regarding contractual obligations, expectations, and changes.
Provide ongoing contractual guidance, training, and support to project managers and site personnel.
Participate in project status meetings and provide updates on contract performance, risks, and opportunities.

Financial oversight and reporting:

Ensure that all contract terms are financially sound and align with project budgets and objectives.
Collaborate with commercial and finance teams to prepare cost estimates, cash flow forecasts, and financial performance reports.
Review and approve variations, extensions of time, and change orders in accordance with contract terms.
Monitor expenditure and contract performance to ensure value for money and budget compliance.

Project support:

Support tendering and procurement processes by providing contractual and technical input during pre-bid and bid stages.
Work with project teams to ensure clear understanding of contract scope, milestones, deliverables, and responsibilities.
Participate in kick-off meetings, project progress reviews, and client meetings, providing insight into contractual matters.
Support claims management processes by preparing supporting documentation and engaging with stakeholders as needed.

Compliance and continual improvement:

Ensure all contracts comply with applicable legislation, standards, and the requirements of regulatory bodies.
Champion the implementation of industry best practices in contract management and engineering project delivery.
Promote a culture of compliance, transparency, and continuous improvement within the team and across projects.
Maintain accurate and thorough records of all contract negotiations, amendments, and approvals for audit and reference purposes.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree or B.Tech in Civil Engineering (BEng / BSc Eng / BTech).
Professional registration with ECSA (Pr.Eng / Pr.Tech.Eng) preferred, or registration in progress.
Minimum 8 years’ experience in civil engineering, with at least 5 years in site supervision of transport infrastructure projects.
Demonstrated experience in construction supervision of roads, bridges, and/or transport-related projects.
Sound understanding of contract administration (FIDIC, GCC, NEC).
Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, and relevant engineering software.
Valid driver’s licence and willingness to be based on site for extended periods.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strong leadership and site management skills.
Excellent communication and reporting abilities.
In-depth knowledge of construction methods, materials, and standards.
Attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.
Ability to make sound engineering decisions under pressure.
Team-oriented and adaptable to diverse working environments.

EXTENDED CAPABILITIES

Excellent interpersonal skills,
Be a team player,
Be proficient in the application of design software e.g. AutoCAD, civil 3D, Techno Cad Suite, Storm & Sanitary, RPD software, etc.
Diligent & good analytic skills,
Ability to produce good quality work under pressure,
Work beyond the call of duty.
Good communication skills including speaking the local vernacular language.
Excellent organizational skills and able to multi-task
Must be able to plan and priorities workload effectively
Excellent client service focus and
Flexible approach to work
Good verbal and written communication skills
Proficient with relevant water design software
Good analytic skills
Ability to plan and execute work with little supervision.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and MS Projects)
Confidentiality, tact, and discretion when dealing with people.
Be confident in dealing with all levels of staff.
Be a team player.
Organized and methodical approach to administration and record keeping.
Highly organised and detail-oriented, with a structured and analytical mindset.
Able to balance commercial rigour with strategic flexibility to support business growth.
Comfortable operating in a lean, entrepreneurial environment with fast decision cycles and shifting priorities.
Strong communicator with the ability to translate complex financial or legal concepts into clear business language.
Resilient and calm under pressure, particularly during contract negotiations or risk escalations.
Proactive, solutions-oriented, and collaborative in approach.

PROJECT MANAGER

THE ROLE

The Project Manager (Transport Department) will lead and manage the successful delivery of transport infrastructure projects from inception through completion. This includes roads, bridges, rail, and integrated transport projects across both public and private sectors.

The incumbent will oversee technical and project management functions, ensuring projects are delivered within scope, budget, and schedule, while maintaining quality and safety standards. The role requires strong leadership, client relationship management, and the ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams across all project phase team.

Reports to: Business Unit Head: Transport
Department: Transport
Location: Pietermaritzburg
Position type: Full-time | Permanent
Remuneration: Market related

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

Project Planning and Scoping

Develop project scope and objectives, involving all relevant stakeholders to facilitate technical feasibility.
Develop detailed / specific long- and short-term project plans, including setting milestones, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget.
Ensure appropriate resource availability and allocation.
Coordinate internal resources and third parties for the flawless execution of projects.
Adjust schedules and targets on the project as needs change or finance considerations require.

Project Execution and Coordination

Track progress of all project plans and advise / drive the team to achieve required outcomes.
Manage the delegation of project-related tasks to the team.
Serve as a point of contact for teams where multiple personnel are assigned, ensuring team synergy.
Facilitate and co-ordinate the efforts of all parties involved in the project, including professional service providers (consultants), contractors, sub-contractors and labour.
Ensure that all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget.
Maintain and update a detailed risk register throughout the project lifecycle, proactively identifying potential risks, evaluating their impact, and implementing mitigation strategies to support effective decision-making.
Ensure that all project activities are executed in alignment with the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) framework and knowledge areas, including integration, scope, schedule, cost, quality, resource, communication, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management—ensuring the successful and structured delivery of every project.

Project Execution and Coordination

Track progress of all project plans and advise / drive the team to achieve required outcomes.
Manage the delegation of project-related tasks to the team.
Serve as a point of contact for teams where multiple personnel are assigned, ensuring team synergy
Facilitate and co-ordinate the efforts of all parties involved in the project, including professional service providers (consultants), contractors, sub-contractors and labour
Ensure that all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget

Financial and Contract Management

Manage project accounting including budget management, approval of progress payments, tracking of team expenses and minimising risk exposure
Review and approve invoices/claims submitted by contractors or professional service providers, ensuring timely verification and submission
Develop and issue contract instructions in accordance with the conditions of the contract
Actively measure progress against contract performance; ensure adherence to contract conditions and timelines.

Project Execution and Coordination

Track progress of all project plans and advise / drive the team to achieve required outcomes
Manage the delegation of project-related tasks to the team
Serve as a point of contact for teams where multiple personnel are assigned, ensuring team synergy
Facilitate and co-ordinate the efforts of all parties involved in the project, including professional service providers (consultants), contractors, sub-contractors and labour
Ensure that all projects are delivered on-time, within scope and within budget

Stakeholder and Client Management

Manage the relationship with the client and all stakeholders
Establish and maintain relationships with third parties
Make decisions having consideration of multiple options, in collaboration with key stakeholders to achieve project outcomes

Documentation and Compliance

Create and maintain comprehensive project documentation
Ensure proper record-keeping for audits, compliance, and performance reviews

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

National Diploma or B-Tech/BSc in Civil Engineering.
Certification in MS Project Management.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Registered as candidate with ECSA.
More than 7 years’ experience in Road’s construction projects/built environment as a project manager, assistant resident engineer or civil engineer/technician/technologist .
5 years’ experience or similar role.
Strong track record in construction/road infrastructure project management
Strong Project Management system capability.
Business management skills, scoping, planning, driving and monitoring processes
Proven project administration experience.
Solid technical background, hands-on PM experience In depth understanding of the PMBOK knowledge areas.
Understanding government priorities, systems and processes at national and provincial level.
Knowledge of relevant legislation regarding infrastructure development.
Must be able to manage financial budgets.
Proven track record in managing large scale construction projects/built environment in different disciplines.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strong project leadership and decision-making abilities.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strategic thinking with a focus on delivery and client satisfaction.
Sound financial and contractual management capability.
High level of technical competence and quality awareness.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects effectively.

COMMERCIAL AND CONTRACTS MANAGER

THE ROLE

The Commercial and Contracts Manager will be responsible for managing and safeguarding the commercial and contractual aspects of all projects, partnerships, and frameworks within the Innovation and New Technologies business unit. This role plays a critical part in ensuring that innovation-led projects move beyond pilots and become scalable, profitable, and contractually sound solutions.

Combining elements of financial modelling, contract negotiation, legal compliance, and risk management, this position bridges the finance, legal and business development functions. It ensures that every offering brought to market is financially viable, legally compliant, and commercially protected. The role supports the commercial structuring of new projects and enables sustainable growth by protecting project margins and aligning contractual frameworks with strategic objectives.

This is a mid-to-senior level role that plays a central part in enabling the success of innovation-led projects within the business. The Commercial and Contracts Manager operates at the intersection of finance, legal and business development, helping to translate technically sound innovations into commercially viable offerings that can be scaled across South Africa and the wider Southern African Development Community region.

By ensuring all contractual and financial risks are addressed, this role contributes directly to Zimile’s ability to offer repeatable, packaged solutions to its partners and clients – ensuring both compliance and commercial success.

Reports to: Business Unit Head: Innovation and New Technologies
Department: Innovation and New Technologies
Location: Midrand
Position type: Full-time | Permanent
Remuneration: Market related

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

Commercial and financial oversight

Develop detailed pricing models, cost structures, business cases, and financial analyses, including net present value, internal rate of return, payback periods, and margin assessments.
Support project teams in designing financially viable and competitive offerings across infrastructure, energy, water and technology sectors.
Structure billing mechanisms including milestone-based payments, mobilisation advances, and receivables schedules to ensure healthy cashflow.
Monitor and safeguard project and portfolio profitability, with a minimum target project margin of 18% and an overall business unit margin of at least 30%.
Contribute to annual revenue growth targets (minimum 15% year-on-year) by enabling commercially robust and bankable solutions.

Contracts and legal management

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, service level agreements, memorandums of understanding, and long-term framework agreements.
Ensure all contracts and commercial activities comply with relevant South African legislation, including the Public Finance Management Act, the Protection of Personal Information Act, and applicable international standards such as ISO 9001.
Proactively manage contract risk by addressing common challenges such as scope creep, vendor delays, health and safety responsibilities, and liability exposure.
Maintain and update a library of standardised contract templates and playbooks to ensure consistency and reduce negotiation timelines.
Liaise with internal and external legal counsel where necessary to resolve contract disputes or assess risk.

Commercial support to business development

Work closely with the growth and delivery leads to structure commercially sound proposals, bids, and diagnostic reports.
Stress-test bids and commercial offers for financial viability and legal compliance before submission.
Participate in early-stage client engagements and discovery workshops to ensure that commercial considerations are integrated from the outset.
Provide strategic input into client negotiations to protect Zimile’s commercial interests while enabling long-term partnerships.
Support the achievement of at least five new contracted opportunities per year by contributing to the conversion of proposals into signed agreements.

Governance and risk management

Maintain the business unit’s commercial risk register, identifying and mitigating risks related to pricing, payment terms, compliance and financial exposure.
Align with the organisation’s project management office processes and approval stage-gates, ensuring that all required commercial documentation is in place at each stage.
Track and report on contract performance and commercial key performance indicators to the head of the business unit and relevant governance forums.
Participate in post-project reviews to assess financial outcomes and capture lessons learned.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A bachelor’s degree in commerce, law, or a related discipline with a strong focus on contracts or commercial management.
A combination of legal and financial qualifications would be advantageous.
At least five years’ experience in a commercial or contracts-focused role, ideally in the infrastructure, energy, water, or transport sectors.
In-depth understanding of financial modelling techniques, including the ability to interpret and apply project finance metrics such as net present value, internal rate of return, and cashflow forecasts.
Demonstrated experience in negotiating complex contractual arrangements, including engineering, procurement and construction contracts, service level agreements, and long-term framework agreements.
Familiarity with municipal, government, and development finance institution procurement practices.
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work with technical specialists, finance teams, legal advisors, and executive decision-makers.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
High attention to detail and strong administrative capability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Discreet, professional, and able to maintain confidentiality.
Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
Proactive and self-motivated with a collaborative approach.

ATTRIBUTES AND PERSONAL QUALITIES

Highly organised and detail-oriented, with a structured and analytical mindset.
Able to balance commercial rigour with strategic flexibility to support business growth.
Comfortable operating in a lean, entrepreneurial environment with fast decision cycles and shifting priorities.
Strong communicator with the ability to translate complex financial or legal concepts into clear business language.
Resilient and calm under pressure, particularly during contract negotiations or risk escalations.
Proactive, solutions-oriented, and collaborative in approach.

TRAFFIC DESIGN ENGINEER

THE ROLE

The Traffic Design Engineer will play a pivotal role in the planning, design, and optimisation of traffic and transportation systems in South Africa. This role requires technical expertise, innovative thinking, and commercial awareness to deliver integrated transport solutions that improve mobility, reduce congestion, and enhance road safety. The successful candidate will combine strong design and analytical skills with the ability to engage stakeholders, support business growth, and ensure projects are delivered to the highest professional standards.

Reports to: Business Unit Head: Transport
Department: Transport
Location: Midrand
Position type: Full-time | Permanent

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

Technical & design

Undertake traffic impact assessments (TIAs), road safety audits, parking studies, and detailed traffic flow modelling.
Design traffic management schemes, geometric layouts, signalisation plans, and temporary traffic accommodation schemes.
Develop concept, preliminary, and detailed designs for projects in urban, peri-urban, and rural contexts.
Ensure designs comply with SANRAL, TMH, TRH, SADC, and municipal standards and guidelines.
Integrate digital tools, smart mobility solutions, and sustainability principles into traffic engineering projects.
Incorporate public transport, non-motorised transport (NMT), and travel demand management (TDM) into project designs.

Project Delivery & Implementation

Prepare technical reports, drawings, tender documents, and contract documentation.
Support contract administration (FIDIC, GCC), including tender evaluations, responding to RFIs, and reviewing shop drawings.
Conduct site visits, surveys, and inspections to verify traffic analysis assumptions and monitor construction implementation.
Ensure constructability and practical application of traffic management and geometric design solutions.

Client & stakeholder engagement

Liaise with clients, municipalities, provincial authorities, and SANRAL on technical submissions, approvals, and regulatory compliance.
Engage with town planners, developers, and environmental consultants to integrate land-use and transport planning.
Participate in public participation processes, community meetings, and stakeholder forums as part of approval processes.
Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication, responsiveness, and professional delivery.

Commercial & business development

Support the preparation of fee proposals, project scoping, and resource planning.
Contribute to business development by identifying opportunities, supporting bid submissions, and expanding service offerings.
Demonstrate financial awareness in project delivery, ensuring profitability and adherence to budgets.

Team & professional development

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including civil, structural, transport, and environmental engineers, to deliver integrated solutions.
Lead or contribute to small project teams, managing tasks, deadlines, and deliverables.
Mentor and support junior engineers and technicians, fostering skills transfer and innovation within the team.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent).
Professional Registration with ECSA (Pr. Eng / Pr. Tech Eng), or working towards registration.
4–8 years’ experience in traffic and transport design and analysis, with consulting engineering experience preferred.
Proficiency in traffic engineering software such as SIDRA, VISSIM, Aimsun, and design tools including AutoCAD Civil 3D.
Proven experience in traffic impact studies, road safety audits, geometric design, and traffic signal design.
Knowledge of municipal and provincial approval processes, development planning integration, and regulatory frameworks.
Familiarity with contract administration (FIDIC, GCC) and tender processes.
Understanding of sustainable transport, public transport planning, NMT, and emerging mobility trends.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strong technical expertise, with the ability to innovate and develop practical, future-ready transport solutions.
Analytical, data-driven problem-solving skills.
Project management capability, with experience managing scope, schedules, budgets, and quality.
Excellent communication, report writing, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Commercial acumen with an understanding of consulting business drivers.
A client-focused, collaborative team player with the ability to work independently and lead small teams.
Resilient, adaptable, and able to perform under pressure in a consulting environment.

WHY JOIN ZIMILE?

Be part of a forward-thinking, black-owned firm making a measurable impact on South Africa’s infrastructure landscape.
Work on diverse, high-profile transport infrastructure projects that demand innovation and creativity.
A workplace culture that values bold ideas, embraces new technologies, and rewards forward-thinking approaches.
Career growth opportunities through mentorship, continuous learning, and professional development support.
A chance to be part of a team that is not only engineering roads and transport systems but actively engineering the future.

STORMWATER DESIGN ENGINEER

THE ROLE

The Stormwater Design Engineer will lead the hydrological and hydraulic design of stormwater systems within transport infrastructure projects. This includes developing sustainable drainage solutions for roads, highways, and transport corridors, ensuring resilience against flooding, erosion, climate change and environmental risks. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise, commercial acumen, environmental awareness, and innovative thinking to protect infrastructure, enhance safety, and improve the quality of life for users and communities.

Reports to: Business Unit Head: Transport
Department: Transport
Location: Midrand
Position type: Full-time | Permanent

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

Technical & design

Undertake hydrological and hydraulic modelling for transport‐related stormwater systems, using appropriate 1D and 2D tools (e.g. HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, TUFLOW, PCSWMM).
Design effective and sustainable stormwater infrastructure including stormwater drains, culverts, open channels, attenuation/detention ponds, swales, soakaways, and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS).
Conduct flood risk assessments, catchment modelling, and stormwater master planning using both empirical and advanced modelling techniques.
Analyse rainfall data and return periods to develop appropriate design storms and runoff coefficients for urban and rural environments.
Integrate erosion and sediment control measures into designs, considering long-term maintenance, public safety, and environmental protection.
Incorporate digital design tools (AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroDrainage, InfoWorks ICM, QGIS/ArcGIS) to support spatial analysis and engineering documentation.
Apply water quality treatment standards in stormwater system design, including pollutant removal techniques (e.g. gross pollutant traps, biofiltration, infiltration).
Ensure all designs meet the applicable standards and guidelines, including SANS, TRH, SANRAL, municipal bylaws, and Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) regulations.
Embed resilience principles to address climate change, increased rainfall intensities, and asset longevity.
Provide technical input to environmental assessments and support water-use licence applications, where required.

Project delivery & implementation

Prepare design drawings, models, and technical reports to support tender and construction documentation.
Ensure constructability, operational feasibility, and safety of stormwater infrastructure designs.
Support contract administration processes, including bill of quantities, cost estimates, and technical responses during bidding and tender evaluation.
Participate in site inspections and construction monitoring to ensure quality control and alignment with design intent.
Develop operation and maintenance plans for long-term asset management and compliance.

Client & stakeholder engagement

Liaise with local municipalities, SANRAL, DWS, catchment management agencies, and other relevant authorities to secure permits and design approvals.
Coordinate with environmental consultants, town planners, and developers to integrate stormwater solutions into broader development plans.
Attend public meetings and stakeholder engagements to present technical concepts in accessible terms.
Maintain strong, professional client relationships by ensuring deliverables are met on time and to a high standard.

Commercial & business development

Support preparation of fee proposals, work programmes, and project budgets.
Identify value engineering opportunities to optimise design and reduce lifecycle costs without compromising performance.
Contribute to business development by identifying stormwater-related opportunities and supporting bid documentation.
Ensure time and resource efficiency in project delivery, contributing to overall profitability.

Team & professional development

Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary project teams, contributing to integrated transport and civil infrastructure projects.
Provide mentorship to junior engineers, graduates, and technicians, supporting capacity-building and technical growth.
Stay informed of industry advancements in stormwater engineering, climate adaptation, and sustainable design approaches.
Promote knowledge-sharing and technical learning within the team and broader organisation.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Water Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
Registration with ECSA (Pr. Eng / Pr. Tech Eng) or in the process of registering.
4–8 years of relevant experience in stormwater drainage, hydraulic modelling, or water resource engineering within a consulting or infrastructure environment.
Proficiency in hydrological and hydraulic software tools such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS (1D/2D), PCSWMM, TUFLOW, or equivalent.
Strong skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D and GIS (QGIS or ArcGIS) for spatial and design integration.
Demonstrated experience in stormwater master planning, infrastructure design, and municipal approvals.
Sound understanding of DWS regulations, NWA, NEMA, and Water Use Licence processes.
Familiarity with flood risk and climate change adaptation strategies.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Strong technical knowledge and critical thinking in stormwater and water resource engineering.
High attention to detail and accuracy in design, documentation, and modelling outputs.
Ability to manage time, prioritise work, and deliver results under pressure in a consulting environment.
Excellent communication, presentation, and technical report-writing skills.
Client-focused, with the ability to build trust, communicate clearly, and manage expectations.
Proactive, innovative mindset with a strong interest in sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.
A collaborative team player with leadership potential and a commitment to continuous learning.

WHY JOIN ZIMILE?

Work on high-impact transport infrastructure projects that shape the future of mobility in South Africa.
Be part of a black-owned firm that values innovation, sustainability, and social impact.
Engage in projects that integrate stormwater and transport design for resilient, future-ready infrastructure.
Benefit from mentorship, professional growth opportunities, and exposure to diverse, challenging projects.
Join a team that is redefining what transport infrastructure can achieve for people and communities.

BUSINESS UNIT HEAD: TRANSPORT

THE ROLE

Zimile is seeking a dynamic and strategic Business Unit Head, Transport to lead our transport infrastructure business across South Africa. This top management role involves setting the vision, expanding market share, ensuring delivery excellence, and driving business development across a diverse range of transport infrastructure services, including:

National and provincial roads
Rail infrastructure
Airports and aviation facilities
Bridges and interchanges
Urban mobility and integrated transport systems

As head of this business unit, you will lead multidisciplinary teams, secure major contracts, and grow Zimile’s reputation in the transport sector. You must bring strong commercial insight, industry leadership, and the ability to develop long-term relationships with government, state-owned entities, private sector clients, and funding institutions.

This is a strategic role for a forward-thinking professional who thrives in a high-impact, growth-driven environment and understands the South African infrastructure landscape in detail.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Transport
Location: Midrand
Position type: Full-time | Permanent | Top management

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic leadership and business planning
- Develop and implement the long-term strategy for the Transport Business Unit, aligned with Zimile’s overall strategic objectives.
- Identify high-growth areas within the transport infrastructure sector, including roads, rail, airports, and urban mobility.
- Lead strategic decision-making regarding resource allocation, market entry, partnerships, and service line expansion.
- Prepare and manage annual business plans, revenue forecasts, and performance indicators for the unit.
- Evaluate and adapt to political, economic, and regulatory trends that impact transport infrastructure development.
1. Business development and client engagement
- Lead business development efforts across public and private sectors to win work from clients.
- Develop long-term relationships with executive-level stakeholders and funding institutions.
- Identify and unlock new markets, sectors or services, including niche transport opportunities (e.g. freight corridors, non-motorised transport, mobility-as-a-service platforms).
- Proactively monitor tender portals and assess strategic fit of opportunities.
- Lead major proposal and bid submissions, pricing strategies, technical approach, and contract negotiations.
1. Operational and project delivery oversight
- Provide oversight and strategic direction for all major transport projects, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, timelines, and quality standards.
- Set delivery frameworks and project governance processes for efficient project execution.
- Monitor project performance, resolve escalated technical and delivery challenges, and ensure timely reporting.
- Enforce strong contract and construction management practices.
- Ensure proper project closeout, documentation, and lessons learned across the unit.
1. Oversee technical excellence and innovation
- Ensure through oversight of your senior leadership team that all engineering design and implementation follows best practice and current standards (e.g. SANS, TRH, TMH, COLTO, UTG).
- Promote the use of advanced technologies such as BIM, GIS, remote sensing, transport simulation, and digital twin platforms.
- Lead research and development efforts into new materials, sustainable design, low-carbon infrastructure, and smart transport systems.
- Benchmark Zimile’s transport offerings against international leaders and adapt global innovations for local application.
1. Leadership, people development and transformation
- Lead and inspire a high-performing, diverse team of engineers, technologists, and project managers.
- Drive succession planning and talent development to ensure business continuity and transformation goals are met.
- Promote skills development and mentoring for graduate and candidate engineers, supporting ECSA registration processes.
- Champion a culture of professionalism, integrity, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure that the unit reflects Zimile’s Employment Equity and B-BBEE aspirations at leadership and technical levels.
1. Financial and commercial management
- Oversee financial performance of the Transport Unit including revenue, gross margins, project profitability, overheads, and cash flow.
- Review and approve project pricing, commercial risk assessments, and cost recovery strategies.
- Ensure compliance with company financial policies, budgeting cycles, and reporting requirements.
- Provide monthly and quarterly reporting to the executive team on performance, risk exposure, and business health.
1. Stakeholder and partner relationship management
- Engage and maintain productive working relationships with external stakeholders, including regulators (e.g. SANRAL, CESA, CIDB), industry bodies, and local communities.
- Liaise with key subcontractors, joint venture partners, and professional service providers to ensure collaboration and value delivery.
- Coordinate with other internal business units (e.g. Water, Energy, Structures, Development Planning) on integrated project delivery.
1. Compliance, governance, and corporate accountability
- Ensure the unit complies with all legal, health and safety, environmental, engineering, and contractual obligations.
- Act as the responsible person for professional conduct and compliance under ECSA’s Code of Conduct.
- Maintain readiness for audits, client reviews, ISO certifications, and professional assessments.
- Promote ethical business practices, anti-corruption compliance, and responsible procurement in line with PFMA, MFMA, and CIDB regulations.
1. Performance monitoring and reporting
- Set measurable goals and KPIs for all teams and track delivery on a monthly and quarterly basis.
- Lead internal reviews and performance dashboards across projects and operations.
- Report progress, risks, and strategic issues to the board or executive leadership.
- Ensure lessons learned from each project are captured and used to improve future performance

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering or Transportation Engineering (NQF Level 7).
Postgraduate qualification in Engineering Management, Transport Planning, or Business Administration (advantageous).
Registered as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) with ECSA (required).
Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2) is advantageous.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum 12–15 years of experience in transport infrastructure with at least 5–8 years in a senior or executive role.
Demonstrable leadership in delivering large-scale transport projects in roads, rail, airports, or bridges.
Experience with major clients including SANRAL, PRASA, ACSA, Transnet, metros, provincial governments, or large private developers.
Proven experience in business development, contract negotiation, and securing major infrastructure projects.
Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and regional offices.
Knowledge and technical expertise
In-depth understanding of South African public sector procurement, PPP frameworks, donor-funded project processes.
Strong knowledge of engineering contracts: FIDIC, NEC, GCC.
Proficient in tools like BIM, AutoCAD Civil 3D, MS Project, GIS, or other transport modelling and design software.
Up-to-date knowledge of South African and international transport infrastructure standards and policies.

SKILLS AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Strong strategic thinking and business acumen.
Embraced new technology and strongly encourages an innovative mindset in unit
Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
Commercially driven with a focus on profitability and sustainability.
Committed to transformation, empowerment, and inclusive growth.
Results-oriented, adaptable, and able to lead through complexity and change.

BUSINESS UNIT HEAD: ENERGY

THE ROLE

The Business Unit Head for Energy is responsible for establishing, leading and managing an Energy Unit at Zimile, playing a key role in setting strategic direction and ensuring the successful execution of energy projects within budget and to the highest quality standards.

This role focuses on driving business development, fostering strong client relationships, and growing the company’s service offerings in the energy sector, with an emphasis on innovative and sustainable energy solutions.

With deep expertise in engineering design, energy systems, and innovative solutions, the role further requires strong business acumen to develop and implement strategies that drive growth in the Energy market.

Once the Energy unit is established the Business Unit Head will oversee engineering design, project management, and technical execution of energy-related projects while ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices. The incumbent will also ensure client satisfaction, and continuous professional development within the team.

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Energy
Location: Midrand
Job type: Full-time

KEY REPONSIBILITIES

Develop and grow the Energy business unit
Innovation & technology in Energy
Client relationship management
Department leadership and team management
Leading design & site supervision
Quality assurance & compliance

LEADERSHIP & KEY COMPETENCIES

Strategic thinking: Ability to set and drive long-term strategic objectives for the Energy Unit.
Decision-making: Strong analytical skills to make informed, data-driven decisions.
Employee development: Inspire and mentor team members, ensuring high performance and career growth.
Effective communication: Ability to engage with clients, stakeholders, and team members at all levels.
Business acumen: Understand market trends and financial metrics to ensure profitability and sustained growth.
Technology & innovation: Passion for energy sector innovations and emerging technologies.
Financial & project management: Ability to oversee budgeting, cost management, and financial forecasting for energy projects.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related field.
Master’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, or Energy Management (preferred).
10+ years of experience in energy engineering or related sectors, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership position.
Professional Engineering registration (PrEng, or equivalent) is essential.
Proven experience in business development and client relationship management.
Strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency solutions, and sustainability practices.
Experience managing multidisciplinary teams and large-scale projects.
Project management certification (e.g., PMP, PRINCE2) is preferred.